We put up with dry, itchy skin and are constantly applying creams to try (in vain) to fight the flake - but there might be some much needed good news for us eczema sufferers. <\/p>\n
New research suggests eczema sufferers may have less chance of developing skin cancer. <\/p>\n
A study conducted by experts at King's College London found the immune response triggered by eczema could stop tumours forming by shedding potentially cancerous cells. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Genetically engineered mice lacking three skin proteins - known as \"knock-out\" mice - were used to replicate some of the skin defects found in eczema sufferers. <\/p>\n
Cancer-causing chemicals were tested on normal mice and the knock-out mice. Researchers found the number of benign tumours per mouse was six times lower in knock-out mice. <\/p>\n
The new study, published in eLife, suggests both types of mice were equally susceptible to getting cancer-causing mutations, but an exaggerated inflammatory reaction in knock-out mice led to enhanced shedding of potentially cancerous cells from the skin. <\/p>\n
Professor Fiona Watt, director of the centre for stem cells and regenerative medicine at King's College London, said: \"We are excited by our findings as they establish a clear link between cancer susceptibility and an allergic skin condition in our experimental model. <\/p>\n
\"They also support the view that modifying the body's immune system is an important strategy in treating cancer. <\/p>\n
\"I hope our study provides some small consolation to eczema sufferers - that this uncomfortable skin condition may actually be beneficial in some circumstances.\" <\/p>\n
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Original post: We put up with dry, itchy skin and are constantly applying creams to try (in vain) to fight the flake - but there might be some much needed good news for us eczema sufferers. Continue reading
\nEczema Could Reduce The Risk Of Skin Cancer, Research Shows<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"